Cheik Tiote’s derby day red card angers Newcastle fans on Twitter

Newcastle’s Cheik Tiote saw red in the north-east derby against Sunderland, to the bemusement and anger of Twitter users.

Cheik Tiote was sent off in the 25th minute against Sunderland (picture: AP)

Despite having never previously received a red card in the Premier League, Tiote has been shown 27 yellow cards in his previous 54 top-flight appearances in England and the midfielder’s reputation perhaps precedes him.Tiote was given his marching orders by referee Martin Atkinson after just 25 minutes of this afternoon’s clash at the Stadium of Light, with the Magpies a goal up. In an attempt to kick the ball, the Ivorian international caught Sunderland man Steven Fletcher and sent the striker flying.But according to fans on social networking site Twitter, a red card was harsh on the 26-year-old.

Arsenal youngster Conor Henderson posted: ‘Never a red card for Tiote…Terrible decision!’Twitter user @AppleAndy82 agreed with Henderson: ‘Watched that Tiote tackle a few times now and its never a red card…may as well ban tackling…’While @DavidKifford said: ‘Regardless of the Tiote incident, are we really classing shin-height as a “raised boot” these days? How exactly is someone supposed to run?’Many Newcastle fans also vented their frustration that Sunderland’s Seb Larsson was not punished for a dangerous tackle.@Tiotetoon said: ‘Larsson gets nothing for studs in upper chest. Tiote off for having to stretch for the ball as a result of being pulled back by the neck!’And @Tempest10 added: ‘Larsson kicks Ameobi on the chest and given a telling off and Tiote kicks Fletcher on the shin. Reputation preceding him.’